Gopaldhara continues to impress us, with this new lot from the 2018 First Flush harvest. While this processed as a black tea, it is a lighter oxidized black. Complex vegetal and fruit notes emerge in this 'premier cru' of the champagne of teas.

Gopaldhara tea estate is located 7000 ft above sea level, and while technically the estate is 172 ha, only a fraction of this is farmed. This first flush Darjeeling is flavorful with a mild astringency, boasting traces of mango, stone-fruit jammy notes, and a subtle rose like sweentess (think a less sweet Turkish delight finish). This tea is truly unique, and as such does require a special brewing method, it is best to not use boiling water, but rather boiled water that has cooled for about 1-2 minutes (we used water ranging from 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit). Freshly boiled water will burn the tea leaves!